Bromfield (MA) senior continues run to the top
Lynn Jennings and Ari Lambie are two notable running alums to come out of Bromfield High School. Now, Bromfield senior Emily Jones is dead set on following in their footsteps and becoming the third. Though, unlike some female runners who burst onto the national scene as freshmen, Jones’ evolution as a runner has been a consistent steady climb. And if her 11th place finish at Foot Locker Nationals last fall did not gain her notice, then her second place finish to Neely Spence in the 3,200 at Nike Outdoor Nationals in June certainly had to turn some heads. A testament to her consistency as a top runner, her 10:22.4 at NON was one of 12 sub-10:35 performances for the All-American on the track last spring. MileSplit caught up with the Massachusetts native after she kick started her invitational season with a dominating 37-second victory (18:12) over Greenwich Central’s Roxanne Harrington in the Girls Championship race at the Ocean State Cross Country Invitational in Rhode Island last weekend. It was the first major race for Jones, whom is eyeing a return trip to San Diego in December.
MileSplit (MS): Congratulations on your impressive win at the Ocean State this past weekend. What was your approach going into the race? Did you achieve your goals for the race?
Emily Jones (EJ): Thanks! It's still early in the season so I wanted to take the race fairly easy and think more about place rather than time. I felt strong and comfortable during the race so I would say that I achieved my goals.
MS: You've had a fairly quiet season up to this point, have you raced much yet?
EJ: I ran a dual meet on our home course a few weeks ago, as part of a workout, but aside from that, Ocean State was my first race.
Emily Jones(left) en route to victory at New Balance Ocean State Invitational (photo by George Ross www.digitalphotoconcept.com)
MS: You had a coaching change this fall. What's the transition been like from Coach Phelan to your new coach?
EJ: The transition has been challenging, but I'm lucky to have a wonderful new coach in Ray Dunn. He understands that I need to continue to train as I've trained for the past five years with Henry and is letting me take the lead with my workouts. He is a great guy who is going to take our younger girls very far.
MS: Heading into the season you're one of the top runners in the nation. What are your goals for the season? Is Foot Locker the main focus?
EJ: More than anything I'd like to continue to improve and to stay injury free. I figure this is my last chance to really make my mark as a high school runner, since next year at the college level my goals will be very different. I'm hoping to qualify for Footlocker Nationals again and to run a strong race there.
MS: In the spring you seemed to really step it up and had many great performances over the 3200m and two-mile distances. Then you placed second at NON-in the two mile in 10:22.48. Do you feel you took that next step in your performances?
EJ: I think I took a step forward this past spring, but didn't quite hit the times I had been aiming for. I was hoping to get a better time at NON running in such a competitive field, but because the race was so strategic, that didn't happen. However, I was very happy with my place, and overall, felt good about my season.
MS: Since your freshman year you've shown consistent improvement. What's been the key to improvement for you?
EJ: I didn't over train as a young runner, and have very gradually increased my mileage and the intensity of my workouts over the years. I think that more than anything; the key to consistent improvement is an appreciation of the sport. I can't express how much I love to run!
MS: How is your training different this fall compared to your junior year?
EJ: My training hasn't changed very much, however, I am running harder and have increased my mileage.
MS: You've run for a fairly historic program of the Bromfield School. What's it been like to be a part of such a program?
EJ: It has been amazing. To have Lynn Jennings and Ari Lambie as your predecessors makes anything seem possible…I've never been in their league, but it has been a lot of fun trying!
MS: How did you first get into running? Who's been the biggest influence on your running up to this point?
EJ: I started running in seventh grade. I had always liked to run and it's one of the only sports that don’t require hand/ball coordination (which I don't have!). The biggest influence on my running has been my old coach Henry Phelan. He really loved the sport and taught me the most about running.
MS: The college recruiting process has started up for seniors. How's the process been thus far?
EJ: The college recruiting process has been really exciting, but overwhelming. I've met so many great coaches and teams.
MS: You went to the same high school as Ari Lambie. Have you ever had a chance to pick her brain about her training and career?
EJ: Ari is great. She has come to our practices a few times and we have corresponded by e-mail. I really admire her and all that she has accomplished. I was able to communicate with her just before her race at the Olympic Trials. Our whole town was cheering for her.
MS: How's your team looking this season?
EJ: We have a pretty young team this year. Three of our runners graduated and one of our current top seniors has been injured since the start of the season. We have a huge team, including thirteen new seventh graders! The camaraderie between the older and younger runners is really fun. While we may not have our strongest season this year, we definitely are working together and having a great time. I love watching the younger girls develop their first love for running…that is a big part of what is motivating me this year.
Quick Six:
MS: Favorite vacation spot?
EJ: Anywhere on the ocean
MS: Favorite movie?
EJ: The Sound of Music
MS: Kind of shoes you train in?
EJ: New Balance 768
MS: Favorite runner?
EJ: I don't think I could name one favorite runner! Lynn Jennings and Ari Lambie have both been huge inspirations for me. I also love Suzie Favor Hamilton. Every high school runner should read her book.
MS: Favorite book?
EJ: My most recent favorite is The House of Spirits by Isabelle Allende.
MS: Lucky number?
EJ:17